Harmful algal blooms reported in Lake Pillsbury

Visitors to Lake Pillsbury in Lake County are advised to stay out of the water after the State Water Resources Control Board said testing confirmed the presence of toxic algae, according to the board’s news release on Friday afternoon.

Testing was conducted with the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board and revealed high levels of cyanotoxins that pose a dangerous risk to both humans and pets.

After reviewing the test results, the agencies decided to post “danger” signs: the highest level of advice ― around the lake, advising visitors to stay out of the water, even on watercraft, the statement said.

Algae blooms are especially dangerous for children and dogs, who are most susceptible to exposure. All visitors are asked to avoid eating fish and shellfish from the water or using the water for drinking or cooking.

Algae blooms can cause water discoloration and the formation of a film or foam in the cooking water.

To date, no health impacts have been reported from the reservoir, according to the statement.

Toxic algal blooms in freshwater bodies are most often associated with warm, still, low water conditions that can develop during the summer and fall. For more information on precautions, Visit the state’s harmful algal bloom portal .

Contact staff writer Anna Armstrong at 707-521-5255 or [email protected]. On X (Twitter) @annavarmstrongg.